Lifestyle

Couple refuses to kill baby born with Phocomelia, relocates to Koforidua due to stigma

A couple at Kwahu Mpreaso has been forced to relocate to Koforidua after facing stigma and pressure to end the life of their baby, who was born with Phocomelia, a congenital condition that results in the absence or malformation of limbs.

A year ago, Ellen Ampadu delivered her fifth child through Caesarean section at Atibie Government Hospital.

Shockingly, despite several ultrasound scans during her antenatal care, her baby was born without three limbs.

Doctors and midwives at the hospital were surprised, as the condition was not detected beforehand.

Ellen and her husband, Joseph Asiedu Yirenkyi, both teachers, were provided with counselling at the hospital.

However, it is alleged some doctors reportedly advised the couple to consider euthanasia to avoid the stigma and economic burden that would come with raising a child with such a condition.

“When I was taken from the theatre to the recovery room, doctors and psychologists met me and said the baby would become a burden so we should agree to euthanize the baby but I refused. It is God who created Adepa. So in the wisdom of God if He has brought her out then I have no right to let kill her,” Ellen Ampadu, mother recounted.

After being discharged, the family endured constant discrimination from their community in Kwahu Mpraeso, including at church and work.

Ellen recounted the intense pressure they faced to kill the baby girl which eventually led them to relocate to Koforidua, the capital of the Eastern Region.

“We were staying in Mpraeso. However, because of unbearable stigma from the community, we decided to relocate to Koforidua. Again the doctors said she needs regular physiotherapy so coming to Koforidua also gives us access to physiotherapy services. So it is because of Adepa that we came,” she added.

Mr. Joseph Asiedu Yirenkyi, the father confirmed various suggestions they received to terminate the baby’s life, but the couple chose to defy these recommendations.

The couple has named their child Adepa, meaning “precious,” as a symbol of their commitment to raising her and fulfilling what they believe is God’s purpose for her life.

“The reason for naming her Adepa is because she is so precious to me. I have accepted her as a gift from God,” the mother explained.

Debrah Bekoe Isaac, the CEO of the nonprofit organization “As I Grow,” which first identified Adepa’s situation, has appealed for support to help provide her with physiotherapy and prosthetics. These interventions would enable Adepa to gain mobility and eventually start school.

“Now the urgent need is the leg. If we get prosthetics to fix the leg so that she can walk and learn how to use the assistive devices. Every year or two weeks have to change the device. So we need money we can’t quantify the money. This is a lifelong project from childhood to adulthood so people should support the family,” Debrah Bekoe Issac, CEO of AIG.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), congenital disorders, which include structural or functional anomalies occurring during intrauterine life, affect approximately 6% of babies worldwide. These disorders are a major cause of the global burden of disease, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries.

While some congenital disorders, such as cleft lip, clubfoot, and certain hernias, can be treated, others, like Phocomelia, heart defects, and Down syndrome, have lifelong impacts.

However, in countries with fewer medical facilities, reversible conditions like clubfoot may result in more severe and lasting effects.

Adepa’s story reignites the need for more awareness and support for families affected by congenital disorders in Ghana.

 

Source: starrfm.com.gh

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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